28. Thalia’s POV
Chapter 28
Thalia’s POV
T he day of the formal had finally arrived, and with it, a swarm of butterflies took flight in my stomach. My nerves were on edge as Elara worked with the precision and care of a seasoned artist, her fingers easily applying my makeup. We’d done this before—the night of the party—but today felt different, more significant. Like tonight would change everything.
She evened my skin tone with a lightweight foundation, letting my freckles peek through, giving me a natural, sun-kissed glow. A soft peach blush highlighted the sharp angles of my cheekbones, adding a touch of warmth to my pale complexion. For my eyes, she used a palette of warm, earthy tones that brought out the stormy gray, adding soft pink and deeper mauve to the crease to make them look bigger and brighter. A perfect winged liner gave them an elegant lift, and a coat of mascara made my lashes long and fluttery. She finished with a muted rose lipstick that made my lips look fuller and more defined.
I barely recognized myself in the mirror. The makeup wasn’t heavy or overdone, but it artfully highlighted everything I secretly loved about my features—the stormy gray of my eyes, the sprinkling of freckles across my nose, the natural curves of my lips.
Elara stepped back, a satisfied grin on her face as she surveyed her work. "You look incredible, Thalia," she said, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror. "They are not going to know what hit them."
I smiled, a blush creeping onto my cheeks that had nothing to do with the makeup. "Thanks, El. I just hope..."
El rolled her eyes dramatically, playfully swatting my shoulder. "Oh please. You could show up in a potato sack and those boys would still be tripping over themselves for you."
I laughed, shaking my head. The thought was both flattering and slightly terrifying. "I guess we’ll see."
El grinned, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Alright, now let's get dressed. We’ve got a formal to conquer." She pulled me away from the mirror and toward the closet.
As I unzipped the dress that had been left for me, a gasp escaped my lips. It was breathtaking—far more extravagant than anything I’d ever worn. Zarek, when he found out about us all going to the formal, had assured me not to worry. He simply winked and told me to trust him. And he was right.
An emerald-green dress, sparkling with tiny sequins that shimmered like captured starlight, hugged my curves in all the right places. Sheer, embroidered sleeves—delicate as a spider's web—added an elegant touch, while the sweetheart neckline and daring high slit gave it a touch of playful sensuality. It was bold yet refined, a perfect balance of innocence and allure, and it fit like a glove—as if it had been made specifically for me.
My auburn hair cascaded down my back in soft, flowing waves. El had worked her magic, adding a few loose braids woven into the sides and pinned at the back, giving my hair an almost fae-like look.
El’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping slightly. "Damn, Thalia! You look sexy as hell!"
I couldn’t help the shy smile that spread across my face, a blush warming my cheeks. "You really think so?" I asked, still not quite believing it myself.
"Are you kidding? If Nox, Zarek, and even Damon aren’t on their knees when they see you, they’re bigger idiots than I thought." El grinned, her excitement contagious. "Girl, you’re going to steal the show tonight. Just try not to cause any incidents, okay?" She winked.
"El, you look amazing," I said. She was wearing a deep red dress that hugged her figure perfectly, with delicate lace details on the corset that added a romantic touch. Her chestnut hair was pinned back in an updo, a few strands framing her face, and her smokey eye makeup made her tinted red eyes look even more intense. It was a look that screamed confidence and power—and I knew she would command attention the moment she stepped into the hall.
She grinned, twirling slightly so the dress flowed around her legs. "I figured if you're going to steal the show, we might as well do it together." She laughed.
We walked into the living room, the air catching in my lungs as I took in the sight before me. Damon, Nox, and Zarek stood near the door. It was like they had stepped out of a dream.
Zarek had opted for a more casual look. His black shirt was slightly unbuttoned, revealing a hint of his bare chest beneath, where I could see the edges of his tattoos peeking out. His messy dark hair fell into his amber eyes, partially obscuring the intensity that always simmered within them. A playful smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as his eyes raked over me, making my cheeks flush slightly. He looked effortlessly handsome, with that dangerous edge that seemed to follow him everywhere.
Damon, on the other hand, was impeccably put together. He wore an all-black suit with a crisp black tie, his dark hair perfectly styled—except for that same damn rebellious strand that always seemed to fall across his forehead. His deep blue eyes held an intensity that made it hard to look away—he looked like a fallen angel. Which, considering his demonic nature, was ironic.
And lastly, Nox. He wore an all-black suit as well, but instead of a tie, he had chosen a deep green bow tie that matched my dress perfectly. His dark curls were styled just enough to look polished but still natural, and those piercing green eyes of his seemed even brighter against the dark color of his suit. A shy smile played on his lips, and he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He looked breathtaking. Seeing them all like this—standing together—made something inside me flutter.
As their eyes landed on me, I felt both powerful and self-conscious at the same time, their gazes roaming over me, making me acutely aware of every detail of my appearance. Zarek let out a low whistle, his eyes glinting with open admiration, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Thalia, you look... stunning," he said, his voice softening as his gaze swept over me again, lingering for a moment on the curve of my neck.
Nox took a step forward, his gaze locked on mine, a shy smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You look beautiful," he said. He fidgeted slightly, his hands clasped in front of him, as if he wanted to reach out but wasn't quite sure how.
Damon’s lips curved into a hint of a smile—a rare and unexpected sight—but he didn’t speak a word. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his features as his eyes met mine. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.
I smiled—a genuine smile that reached my eyes, the crinkling the corners kind of smile. "Thanks," I said, my voice a little breathless as I tried to regain my composure, my cheeks flushing slightly under their combined attention. "You all clean up pretty well yourselves," I added, my gaze sweeping over each of them, appreciating their handsome appearances—from Zarek's playful charm to Nox's quiet intensity and Damon's brooding elegance.
Nox extended his arm to me. "Shall we?"
I took his arm, a thrill shooting through me. El stepped up to my other side, looping her arm through mine. "Alright, boys, let's go make an entrance worthy of legends."
We met James outside the grand doors of Evermore Hall, and I couldn't help but smile at how dashing he looked. His grey suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders, and his blonde hair was styled back, revealing his kind eyes. They found mine, and he gave me a small, reassuring smile before El moved to link her arm with his.
"You girls look absolutely breathtaking," James said, his voice warm and sincere.
Elara gave him a bright, playful smile as she looped her arm through his. "You ready to be my arm candy for the night, handsome?"
James grinned, nodding. "It'd be my absolute pleasure, Elara."
Zarek stepped in beside me, a familiar cedar-and-ocean scent swirling around him, as Damon moved on the other side of Zarek. The distant thrum of music and chatter grew louder with every step we took toward the hall. El and James walked a little ahead, their laughter echoing back toward us—a light, carefree sound that eased some of my nerves—while I moved alongside the brothers.
Zarek gave me a sideways glance, his lips tugging into a teasing smile. "Nervous, Firefly?"
I let out a breathy laugh, trying to appear more confident than I felt. "A little. But I think it's the good kind of nervous, ya know?"
Nox squeezed my arm gently as we approached a set of side doors to Eldrin Hall. The massive entrance hall was filled with the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. The room seemed to shimmer and sparkle—from the elaborate, gold-framed paintings adorning the walls to the polished marble floor that stretched beneath us like a shimmering lake. A grand, sweeping staircase led up to a second level, where more guests were mingling, leaning on the carved railing or laughing softly among themselves.
Rich, deep tapestries—woven with threads of gold and silver—hung between gilded columns, depicting scenes of ancient battles and mythical heroes. The scent of expensive perfume mingled with the aroma of freshly polished wood and exotic flowers, lingered in the air, creating an intoxicating blend. People dressed in elegant gowns of silk and satin, and sharp tuxedos, moved gracefully through the hall, their laughter and conversation blending with the faint strains of classical music that floated through the air.
Elara and James turned back to us, their eyes wide with shared excitement, reflecting the glittering lights of the chandeliers. "It looks absolutely magical," El said, her gaze sweeping across the room. I nodded in agreement, completely awestruck by it all.
James chuckled, giving me a warm, encouraging smile. "Well, let's make it a night to remember, shall we? One for the storybooks."
"Absolutely," I replied, a sense of anticipation bubbling inside me.
The music transitioned to a louder, more upbeat tempo, and the dance floor began to fill with couples moving gracefully in sync with the rhythm. Nox and Zarek remained close to my sides—their presence like a protective shield that made me feel safe, yet completely free to enjoy myself. Damon had slipped away into the crowd, and I couldn't help but wonder where he went, and what he was thinking. But I decided to let it go—tonight was about celebrating, about having fun and letting loose, even if just for a little while.
We made our way to the bar—a long, polished mahogany surface lined with gleaming crystal glasses—Nox and Zarek each keeping a hand on me, almost as if they were afraid I'd be swept away by the crowd. When we reached the bar, Nox leaned in, his breath brushing against my ear, sending a wave of heat through me. "What are you having?"
I laughed softly, my eyes meeting his, a spark of playful challenge passing between us. "Surprise me, Nox. I trust your judgment."
Zarek smirked beside me, his amber eyes twinkling with amusement. "Careful, Thalia. You know he's going to take that as a challenge."
I shrugged, feeling light and daring, the atmosphere of the ball emboldening me. Nox's eyes sparkled as he signaled the bartender, ordering a round of iridescent shots for us. It all felt surreal—like I was stepping into a dream, a world I never imagined I could belong to. And yet, here I was.
"Shots already? Trying to get a head start on the festivities, are we?" James teased, grabbing one of the shimmering shots and raising it in a mock toast.
Elara linked her arm with mine, "Let's make a toast. To a night we'll never forget, to new beginnings, and to the magic that brought us all together."
We all raised our glasses, clinking them together with a cheerful chime before downing the shots in unison. The alcohol burned pleasantly on the way down, a warm sensation that spread through my limbs. The music pulsed through me, the beat synchronizing with the steady thrum of my heart. I felt incredible—like every worry, every fear, every doubt had momentarily vanished, leaving behind only a sense of pure, unadulterated joy.
After a couple more drinks, the music and laughter swirling around us like an intoxicating elixir, Zarek nudged me playfully. "So, Firefly? Are you going to grace us with your presence on the dance floor? Or are you going to make us wait all night?"
I laughed, shaking my head at his teasing. "Alright, alright. Let's dance. Lead the way, Zarek."
Nox took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me. "We won't let you out of our sight," he said, his voice carrying a hint of seriousness beneath the playful tone. His emerald-green eyes held a possessive glint that made my heart flutter. Their protectiveness felt like a warm cocoon around me, a comforting embrace that shut out the rest of the world, and I realized it wasn't stifling—it was empowering.
As we moved to the center of the dance floor, Elara and James right beside us, laughing and twirling with carefree spirits, I let the music take over. The rhythm flowing through my veins, guiding my movements. The energy around us was electric—everyone dancing, laughing, lost in the moment. Nox twirled me around, his laughter echoing in my ears, and I couldn't help the joyful giggle that bubbled out of me. Zarek moved in rhythm beside us, his smile genuine and easy, his eyes never straying too far from me.
Nox and Zarek passed me between them, a playful exchange that made my head spin with delight, and with each turn, a giggle slipped past my lips. The lights flashed in vibrant colors, illuminating the joy on their faces. I felt a lightness inside me—a happiness that made me want to stay on that dance floor forever, lost in the music and the laughter, surrounded by the people who made me feel like I finally belonged. For so long, I had been carrying the weight of uncertainty, of fear, of not knowing where I fit in—wondering if I truly belonged anywhere. But here, I finally felt seen, valued, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I was simply, undeniably happy.
The music shifted then, transitioning into something slower, a romantic melody that filled the air. Nox’s arm slipped around my waist, drawing me closer, his touch sending a wave of warmth through me. Zarek stepped back slightly, giving us space, his eyes soft as he watched us, a gentle smile playing on his lips. I rested my head against Nox’s chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath. His other hand moved to my back, his fingers tracing gentle patterns.
The world around us seemed to blur as I focused on the feeling of Nox’s arms around me, the comforting presence of Zarek nearby, the laughter of my friends echoing in the distance. It was a perfect, self-contained world—a bubble of happiness and acceptance that I never wanted to leave. Nox moved to whisper in my ear, his voice low.
"You terrify me, Thalia," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.
I lifted my head from his chest, my brows knitting together in confusion, his words catching me off guard. "Why?" I asked.
His gaze searched mine, a depth of emotion swirling in his emerald-green eyes, before he let out a soft breath. His fingers brushing against my cheek—a feather-light touch that sent a jolt of electricity through me. "Because I care about you more than I ever thought I could. More than I ever thought possible. And that scares me, Thalia. It scares me because I don’t want to lose you… and you could get hurt.”
His words made my heart skip a beat, a warmth spreading through my chest that was almost overwhelming. I swallowed, my throat tight with emotion as I looked up at him, my heart aching with a mixture of love and fear. The vulnerability in his eyes, the raw honesty in his words—it was everything I hadn’t realized I needed to hear. A validation of the feelings that had been growing between us, unspoken yet undeniable.
I reached up, my fingers brushing against his cheek, my thumb tracing the line of his jaw. "You wouldn't hurt me, Nox," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the music, but filled with a conviction that surprised even myself. "I know you wouldn't."
Nox closed his eyes for a moment, as if letting my words sink in, absorbing their meaning, his long, dark lashes resting on his cheeks. He leaned down, pressing his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with mine—our bodies close enough to feel the beating of each other's hearts. "You have no idea what you do to me, Thalia," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion, his words a confession of the power I held over him, a power I hadn't even realized I possessed.
A smile tugged at my lips, "Maybe I do," I replied, my voice filled with a newfound confidence.
Nox's lips curved into a smile—a slow, tender expression that made my heart melt. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft tender kiss. It was slow, deliberate, filled with every unspoken word, every shared glance, every stolen moment between us. It was a kiss that spoke of vulnerability, of trust, of a connection that ran deeper than either of us could have imagined. I let myself get lost in him, a wave of pleasure surging through me like a tidal wave, washing away all my doubts and fears.
He pulled away slightly, his arms tightening around me as if he never wanted to let go, and I knew in that moment that this—this connection, this feeling, this burgeoning love—was something worth fighting for, something worth holding onto, even if I wasn't entirely sure what I was doing, or where this path would lead.
"We need to leave, now ," Damon growled, startling us. There was a raw urgency in his tone that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Zarek immediately moved behind me, a protective presence at my back, while Nox pushed me behind him, his hand never leaving mine as he pulled me forward. Damon was already leading the way through the crowd. The ground began to tremble—a sudden, violent jolt that sent ripples of panic through the revelers. The joyous laughter and upbeat music were abruptly replaced by gasps and screams, the festive atmosphere dissolving into a chaotic scramble. My heart pounded against my ribs as people rushed around us, bumping and shoving. Zarek wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me tightly against him as the crowd surged, shielding me from the frantic, desperate bodies.
We moved as quickly as we could, Damon clearing a path, his eyes sharp and alert as he scanned our surroundings. We pushed our way towards the nearest exit, and as we rushed through the doors, we found ourselves in a part of the academy I'd never seen before. Lanterns lined the winding paths stretching far into the distance, and delicate fairy lights twinkled, wrapped around the branches of ancient trees. I looked up to see the sky above us twisting and churning, the clouds swirling in an unnatural, menacing pattern. Dark purples and blacks blended together, illuminated by flashes of violet lightning that crackled through the air. It was as if the heavens themselves were tearing apart.
"Arethax," Damon said, his voice grim, confirming my unspoken fear. His eyes were locked on the turbulent sky, his jaw clenched tight. There was no doubt in my mind—this was an attack. Nox’s grip on my hand tightened, his eyes narrowing as he looked up at the brewing storm. "We need to get her somewhere safe," he said, his voice surprisingly steady even with all the chaos erupting around us.
Damon's shadows began to swirl around him, restless and eager to escape. But Elara and James were still inside. I couldn't just abandon them—not when they were completely unaware of who was coming, of what they were up against. Hell, I wasn't even entirely sure.
"No," I said, my voice firm. "We can't just leave them." Damon’s gaze shifted to me, his eyes narrowing, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features.
"Thalia, we need to leave. You cannot be here," Nox said, turning to me, his eyes pleading, a mixture of fear and concern etched on his face.
"No, I'm not running," I snapped, my voice laced with frustration. "You guys can either help me or just leave." I pulled away from them, turning towards the door—determined to go back—but Damon moved with lightning speed, a blur of darkness, blocking my path.
"Now is not the time, Thalia. Stop being a fucking brat," he growled, crossing his arms.
A screeching scream echoed through the air, shattering the tense standoff. Emerging from the shadows were twisted, grotesque monstrosities that seemed to be woven out of death itself. They were truly horrifying. Eight of them moved in unsettling unison, their long, jagged limbs carrying them with an unnatural, almost gliding grace. Their skeletal bodies were thin and wiry, bones protruding through their taut skin. Their eyes—multiple, glowing red eyes—were fixed on me, burning with a chilling hunger and malice. Their mouths were filled with rows of long, serrated fangs, dripping with a viscous mixture of saliva and foam. All of them seemed laser-focused on me, as if I was the only thing they could see, the only thing that mattered.
Zarek stepped in front of me without hesitation, his shoulders squared, his entire posture rigid. Damon moved into position beside him, the two of them forming a wall between me and the immediate threat.
Nox, however, took off towards the creatures. His body twisting and contorting as he moved. I watched in stunned shock as his bones cracked and shifted, his form expanding, muscles rippling and bulging beneath his skin. His clothes tore away, and in their place, sleek, midnight-black fur erupted, covering his growing frame. A massive panther emerged from the remnants of Nox’s human form. Its long, sharp claws scraped against the stone path, sending sparks flying. The panther's eyes— Nox's eyes—were a vivid, piercing green, glowing intensely against the encroaching darkness.
His growl was deep, resonant—shaking the very ground beneath us. I felt my entire body vibrate with the force of it, and the shocking realization struck me like a lightning bolt. Nox was the panther —the one from the night after the party, the one that had chased me into their home, the one that had saved me during the Wonders of Nexara. It was him, all along. Everything clicked into place, making perfect sense now. Nox had been there, silently guarding me, even when I didn’t know who or what he was.
That was Nox. The real Nox. The Nox who went to get help and pretended he’d just found me.
I was still reeling from this revelation when Damon’s sharp voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Thalia! Stay focused!"
I nodded, swallowing hard as I took a step back, forcing myself to get into position—to prepare for what was coming. The creatures were closing in fast, their limbs clicking against the ground with an unnerving rhythm, their multiple eyes unblinking as they closed the distance between us. The open area that had seemed so enchanting just moments before was now about to become a battlefield—and I was at the center of it.
The creatures lunged, their screeches piercing the night air, and the brothers sprang into action with a practiced synchronicity. Damon’s shadows surged forward, wrapping around the legs of one of the creatures, pulling it to the ground with a sickening thud. Zarek was a blur of motion, his agility unmatched as he darted between the creatures, striking them with quick, powerful blows. The creatures fought back with a ferociousness that made my blood run cold, their serrated claws swiping through the air, aiming for any exposed flesh.
Nox, in his panther form, moved with a lethal grace I found both terrifying and beautiful. He leaped at one of the creatures, his powerful jaws clamping down on it with a sickening crunch. I could see the raw strength in every movement he made—the effortless power with which he tore into the creature, ripping it apart with an ease.
I stood there, my hands trembling, the energy of the storm above buzzing in my ears, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. I could see the brothers fighting with everything they had, their movements fluid and powerful, each of them a force to be reckoned with.
One of the creatures made it past them—coming straight for me. I froze, fear momentarily paralyzing me, but I forced myself to move, stumbling backward, my heart racing in my chest.
"Thalia!" Zarek shouted, his voice filled with panic.
The creature was just a few feet away now. My body reacted before my mind could catch up, a burst of shadows exploding from within me, striking the creature and sending it sprawling backward with a surprised screech.
The sudden release of power left me breathless, my entire body trembling from the effort. The energy I had unleashed felt like it had ripped through every cell of my being—leaving me hollow and in agony. I gasped for breath, each inhale burning my lungs. The creature let out another screech, struggling to its feet—its multiple eyes now narrowed with rage.
"Stay back," Zarek shouted, his voice carrying over the chaos as he moved toward me.
I nodded, still catching my breath, trying to regain some semblance of control. I looked at the creatures, at the chaos that surrounded us, the sheer brutality of the fight. This was my fight, too. I wasn’t going to stand by and watch them protect me. I was going to fight— with them.
A dozen more creatures were running towards us, their grotesque forms moving with a terrifying speed. Nox was already in motion, his massive paws swiping with lethal precision, while Zarek was now attacking the creatures with his own shadows, which lashed out like whips. Damon's shadows, coiled around the enemy, ripping them apart, pieces of limbs flying through the air.
I pushed my own shadows outwards, creating a protective shield around the brothers, trying to shield them from any blindsided attacks. My heart was pounding in my ears, my focus entirely on protecting them, on keeping them safe.
A searing pain shot through my shoulder, a claw tearing into my flesh. The screech of a creature behind me made my ears ring, the world around me becoming a blur as I was pushed forward, my knees hitting the ground.
A heavy force pinned me down, the weight stealing my breath. Agonizing pain—sharp and searing—radiated through my other shoulder, mirroring the first. It felt as if razors were ripping through skin and muscle, tearing me apart. A guttural growl vibrated above me, hot breath ghosting against my neck. A scream tore from my throat—raw and ragged. My vision blurred with tears as my body began to tremble.
The taste of fear and metal started to fill my mouth. I struggled beneath them, trying to push them off, trying to fight, but they were too strong. Their claws dug into my back, their fangs tearing deeper. I could feel myself slipping, the edges of my vision darkening.
Through the haze of pain, I saw a flash of black—a blur of movement. Nox's deafening roar filled my ears. I felt the weight lift, my body trembling as I tried to push myself up.
Zarek rushed to my side, kneeling beside me, his eyes wide with fear and anger. "Thalia, stay with me," he said urgently, his voice laced with concern. I nodded, though my vision was still blurry, the pain making it hard to focus.
Nox stood protectively in front of us, his body curved and tense, a low, threatening growl rumbling in his chest as he faced the remaining creature. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, filled with a raw fear and desperation that mirrored my own.
Damon's shadows wrapped around the last creature, pulling it away from us with a force that made the ground shake. The creature let out a final, ear-splitting screech before Damon’s shadows tore it apart, the pieces disintegrating into nothingness as he approached us.
Everything fell silent for a moment. The only sound was my ragged breathing and the distant rumble of thunder above. Zarek's arm was still around me, holding me up as I swayed on my feet. Blood was already pooling beneath me, staining the ground a dark, crimson red.
Another screech rang out, this one different—deeper, filled with an agonizing pain that seemed to resonate in my very bones. Taller than the previous creatures, with elongated limbs and hollow, sunken eyes that glowed a dull, eerie red. Their bodies were gaunt, their skin a sickly pale color, and they moved with jerky motions. My heart pounded as they advanced towards us, their movements purposeful and menacing. They carried knives—crude, jagged blades that glinted ominously in the dim light.
Nox's fur bristled as he lowered himself into a defensive stance, his eyes locked on the approaching creatures. Damon and Zarek moved into position beside him, their faces grim, their shadows writhing around them in readiness.
"These are different," Damon muttered, his voice tense. "Stronger."
The creatures let out another low, guttural screech as they lunged, their movements swift and erratic, difficult to predict. Nox sprang forward, his massive form colliding with three of the creatures, his claws raking across, leaving deep gashes in their sickly pale flesh. Damon’s shadows surged forward, wrapping around five, but they fought against the shadows, pushing forward slowly with surprising strength.
I pushed my shadows out again, willing them to solidify—to form a barrier between us and the relentless onslaught of creatures—but they remained wispy, like vapor, too weak to offer any real defense. A wave of dizziness washed over me, the world tilting dangerously as the last of my strength ebbed away. I stumbled, my vision blurring, and just as one of the creatures lunged, a powerful arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back. Its blade slicing across my chest, sending a fresh wave of agony through me.
We were outnumbered, and they would just keep coming—wave after wave of grotesque, terrifying forms. I felt the fear building inside me, a cold, suffocating dread. I couldn't lose them. They couldn't get hurt because of me.
I screamed—a primal sound born of pure terror and desperation—as my body began to shake uncontrollably, a burst of power burning through me, hotter and more intense than anything I had ever felt before. Pain ripped through every nerve, the force of it making it feel as if I was being torn apart from the inside out. My vision blurred, the grotesque figures in front of me twisting into monstrous, distorted shapes. The ground beneath my feet seemed to tremble, the very air vibrating with the raw power surging through me. I didn't understand what was happening, but I knew—with a terrifying certainty—that something inside me had irrevocably changed.
Everything blurred, the world spinning, as I felt the cold, unforgiving ground beneath me. The ringing in my ears muffled the chaos around me—Damon's enraged roar, Zarek's frantic shouts, Nox's pained growl—all fading into a dull hum. I tried to fight it, to cling to consciousness, but the darkness was a relentless tide, pulling me under, swallowing me whole. The last thing I registered was a chilling wave of cold seeping into my very being, before unconsciousness claimed me in its embrace.